There always seems to be some common themes with each round of Savvy Circles.
This past round we saw several very savvy women suffer secretly from ….Imposter Syndrome.
The “Who-do-I-think-I-am-to-be-doing-this” mental chatter.
It breaks my heart.
I see so many women who are smart, big-hearted and know their stuff find themselves swimming in self doubt and hiding their gifts from the world.
The numbers who do this across the board are pretty staggering. And no one – no matter how accomplished and successful – is immune.
Yes, Fortune 500 female CEOs, supreme court judges and even Oprah have talked about it.
If you haven’t read the book yet, this one is a life changer!
The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women:
Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It
by Dr. Valerie Young
Dr. Young through her years of research has discovered work habits and patterns that hold people back from their full potential. She has narrowed in on 5 specific types:
- The Perfectionist
- The Superwoman
- The Natural Genius
- The Rugged Individualist
- The Expert
Give these five types a read and see if any resonate with you.
5 Types of Imposter Syndrome
1. The Perfectionist
Imposter syndrome and perfectionism are very common bedfellows. It is easy to fall into the trap that everything needs to be 100% in order to proceed. If it isn’t, it’s a reflection upon you and validating that your flawed or a fraud.
How to determine if this is you:
- Do you set exceedingly high expectations on yourself?
- Do you feel like everything must be 100% perfect all of the time otherwise there is no point in doing it at all?
- Are you a control freak or micromanager?
- Do you feel like it’s just easier to do it yourself than trust others to accomplish the same tasks?
The solution:
Begin doing things. Adopt the adage: “progress over perfection.”
Know that if mistakes are made it’s simply an opportunity for learning and growth. It doesn’t mean it’s a reflection of you wholly and completely.
Start small and begin taking more and more imperfect action until you begin to feel comfortable with loosening your grip on things.
2. The Superwoman
You do everything and make a point of telling people so. Since people who are this type often feel like a fraud compared to their peers, they often make a point to work longer and harder than everyone around them.
Yes, you’re a work-aholic, and you know it. You find a rush in getting the gold stars and praise from others for working like a dog and making sacrifices. That external validation of your worth is intoxicating. However deep down you know it isn’t healthy.
How to determine if this is you:
- Do you work more hours than others in your field? Do you make a point of letting everyone know how hard you work?
- Have you cut out past passions, hobbies and down time because work/business comes first?
- Do you think that to be called an entrepreneur you need to work harder and longer than those around you, especially those in your past profession or friends in traditional jobs?
- Do you continue to take on more and more knowing it may cut out time out for yourself, your family and friends, and outside interests?
Solution:
Discover ways to find validation internally. Know that you are the only one who’s opinion matters on this topic.
Realize that you’re addicted not to the work itself but to ‘working’ on the work.
How can you reward yourself for doing the real work (not the busy work) and keep it to yourself? 
3. Natural Genius
This one is linked to a fixed mindset.
For people who have natural skills and talents, it can be tough to do something new. It’s unconformable to try a hand at something that they may not get the gold star or perfect score.
How to determine if this is you:
- Were you told as a kid that you had natural talent or were the “smart one” of the family?
- Did you get “straight A’s” and gold stars in nearly everything you did?
- Do you cringe at the idea of having a coach or mentor because you can simply “do it on your own”?
- Do you avoid challenges and new opportunities because you’re afraid you might not be good at it?
Let’s say that your past corporate or traditional job came easily to you then you jumped into entrepreneurship and found yourself struggling.
This one in particular can cause all sorts of issues when it comes to starting a business. Imagine you are an amazing marketing executive within a big company. The creative piece came easy and you moved through the ranks quickly and effortlessly. Then you decided to go out on your own and start an agency from the ground up. You have to do everything yourself. The sales, the website, the marketing of a small business, all the bits and bobs that you didn’t even know was involved in a business. EEK! For many the business side of their business is new and outside their comfort zone and can bring up a lot of mental and emotional turmoil.
Solution:
First off read the book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Dr. Carol Dweck. The examples alone will get you back on track.
Begin looking at yourself as a work in progress.
Cultivate self kindness and self compassion. Stretch yourself to try something new – no matter how small.You don’t need to go overboard but begin slowly.
Ask for help and get support. It may be uncomfortable at first but you’ll find it to be incredibly helpful.
4. The Rugged Individualist
As entrepreneurs this one can become an easy one to fall prey to since we often start businesses on our own.
The rugged individualist is the person who can “Do it all by themselves, thank you very much.” Stubborn and steadfast to this belief, it is often to their own demise as they miss out seeking the wise counsel and help from others. Everything takes longer and the learning curve is substantial without seeking support and guidance.
How to determine if this is you:
Do you believe that you can do everything on your own?
Do you resist getting help because you don’t think you really need it?
Solution:
Ask for help. (yes it’s that simple).
Know that business isn’t a solo sport. Even the most accomplished people in the world have teams, support, mentors and advisors.
Remind yourself that you can shave off years and save a lot of money by getting the appropriate support, guidance, mentorship or group mastermind support needed to succeed.
5. The Expert
This is one of my favorites.
This is the when a person believes that they have somehow fooled the world. They have tricked everyone into hiring them even though they’re deeply inexperienced (which isn’t true) or not knowledgeable (again untrue). They cannot imagine that they have enough experience or knowledge to be in the place they are.
How to determine if this is you:
Are you constantly seeking out more training, certifications, advanced degrees because you believe you need them to actually succeed?
Do you avoid opportunities (contracts, jobs, grants, interviews) because you don’t meet 125% of the qualifications?
Do you get uncomfortable if someone calls you an expert (even though you probably are, or close to being one)?
Solution:
First off, take a hiatus from consuming more education or chasing down that next certification or degree. You can spend every waking moment and waste years of your life studying and becoming more of an expert.
Learning and refining your skills is very important but you have to ask yourself the purpose behind seeking more.
My guess is that you probably don’t need additional certifications and advanced learning. Look deep inside.
Are you procrastinating getting out there? Are you scared of being seen and visible?
Do you feel like you could still do high quality work without it? Honestly.
If you see a bit of yourself in many or all of these types, please know there is hope.
Awareness is key… and the first step.
Take the time to figure out your patterns and beliefs. You don’t need to judge them, figure out the source of them or belittle yourself for falling into these common ways of working and behaving. Just notice.
Then find small, simple ways to begin to pull yourself out of it. Give yourself small exercises. Ask for help on some aspect of your business or try something new and uncomfortable. You can take a hiatus from learning more or cancel a class you planned to take. Or you can simple get a mentor that you feel comfortable with and who gets you.
With each small step you’ll be able to step more fully into being the fully realized person you are destined to be.
Image courtesy of Unsplash:
Patrick Fore
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